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04-02-2026

Diagnosis of oncological diseases is improving in Lithuania: more reimbursable tests for patients

Iliustracija

In commemoration of World Cancer Day, the Health Insurance Fund reminds patients which tests covered by the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund contribute to the expansion of cancer diagnosis capabilities and enable the application of increasingly accurate and effective treatment. This year, even more opportunities have opened up for more accurate diagnosis and examination of tumours.

Starting from 1 January this year, the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund began covering the costs of molecular genetic testing of tumours using the RNA sequencing method. Positron emission tomography (PET) tests performed in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) using radioactive fluorine are also reimbursed. These advanced diagnostic tests allow doctors to more accurately diagnose cancer and select the most effective treatment for each patient, thereby increasing the chances of recovery.

“A year ago, compensation began to be paid for molecular genetic testing of tumours using DNA sequencing, as well as molecular karyotyping and methylation testing of tumour genomes. This year, molecular genetics testing of tumours using RNA sequencing was added to the list of reimbursed services. This is a significant step towards personalized oncological care – these services help to diagnose the disease more accurately and select the most appropriate treatment for each patient,” says Rasa Savičiūtė, adviser to the Service Reimbursement Division of the National Health Insurance Fund.

These tests may be prescribed to patients by an oncologist-chemotherapist (for adults), a pediatric oncohematologist (for children), or another specialist working in a multidisciplinary team of doctors. The tests are prescribed at institutions providing specialized oncological care that form the cancer cluster in Vilnius, Kaunas, Panevėžys, Šiauliai, and Klaipėda.

According to preliminary data from the National Health Insurance Fund, a total of approximately 1,600 molecular genetic tests were performed last year, costing more than EUR 747,000 in fund resources.

PET and CT examinations using fluorodeoxyglucose, somatostatin analogues, or prostate-specific membrane antigens labeled with radioactive iodine have been reimbursed for several years. The preparation used is selected individually, depending on the type of tumor and the purpose of the examination.

Since January of this year, the Fund has begun to cover PET and CT scans performed using radioactive fluorine. This is an alternative to the currently reimbursed PET and CT scans performed with radioactive prostate-specific membrane antigens. The examinations may be prescribed to patients when malignant prostate tumours are suspected or diagnosed, i.e., when it is necessary to accurately assess the location of the tumour and its possible spread before or after radical treatment.

PET scans can only be prescribed by medical specialists – radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, urologists, surgeons, and other doctors within their field of expertise.

According to preliminary data from the National Health Insurance Fund, a total of approximately 3,600 PET scans were performed on cancer patients last year, at a cost of approximately EUR 6 million.

Patients with cancer also have access to other expensive tests, such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or angiography, ultrasound examinations with contrast agents, and others.

The NHIF invites you:

Last updated: 16-03-2026

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